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From the City – water and electricity update

Dear Cape Town businessesYour essential role in our success in dealing with the drought crisis period remains equally vital as we move to Level 3 water restrictions- and as we work to keep the lights on in managing Eskom’s current load-shedding programme.Thank you for helping Cape Town become the number one water saving city in the world. We have been recognised by the International Water Association for the 55% reduction in water use between 2015 and 2017, without resorting to intermittent supply.This is a collective achievement, so thank you!Click here to see the video.Level 3 water restrictions

As of 1 December 2018 water restrictions are at Level 3. Business no longer needs to comply with the 40% reduction, but is strongly encouraged to continue implementing water-efficiency measures.

Pressure management will remain part of the City’s water demand and conservation programme, updates will be posted on the City’s website andTwitter accounts.

Water strategy and managementThe latest update of the 2018 Water Outlook report includes progress and plans for additional new bulk water supply from desalination, re-use and groundwater. A new Cape Town water strategy is underway and is likely to go for public comment early in 2019. We will keep you updated when this happens, so that your voice can be heard.Note: as per the Water By-law the City cannot and does not guarantee water pressure at a certain level, or guarantee uninterrupted water supply. Property owners, building managers and body corporates, especially those with multi-story buildings, should adhere to the Water By-law and building regulations by installing sufficient water storage and pumping systems to sustain their internal usage and for fire prevention.How to be water wise

Reducing your electricity usage at home and at the office, and encouraging your friends and family to do the same can help limit the chances of load-shedding, or reduce the impact. You can start by doing the following:

Switch off those appliances that you don’t need – this is the golden rule when it comes to saving electricity

Delay switching on lights and appliances until after the peak periods (between 17:00 and 21:00) whenever possible

Ensure that geysers and pool pumps don’t run during peak hours, switch off where possible.

Adjust air-conditioners to 23 degrees Celsius, if you need to use them

Know your area, know your schedule

Load-shedding power outages generally last for about 2,5 hours, with one area being affected at a time during stage 1 and four areas during stages 3b and 4.

Eskom customers will experience load-shedding differently to City of Cape Town customers. When Eskom implements stage 2, the City can access extra capacity from the Steenbras Dam Hydroelectric Power Scheme to offset high demand, keeping its customers at stage 1.

If your electricity cuts off at a time not specified in the schedule, this is not load-shedding but an electrical fault. Please notify the City of this fault so it can be repaired. Eithersubmit a service request or call 086 010 3089.

Investing in the grid

Businesses investing in onsite renewable energy generation not only benefit from lower overall electricity costs, but also contribute to a more secure and sustainable grid. The City of Cape Town offers two Solar PV Systems that connect to the grid, both of which reduce demand and further buffer its customers from the full impact of load-shedding.

Small Scale-Embedded Generation (SSEG)

Solar PV is one form of Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG). SSEG refers to systems generating less than 1MVA that are connected to the City’s electricity grid. It is suitable for residential, commercial and industrial areas with strong solar resources.

Grid-tied systems

These are connected to the City’s electricity grid either directly or through your property’s internal wiring. There are two types of grid-tied systems.

Grid-tied feed-in system (with export option): the electricity generated by the PV system is used locally on the property. Any excess electricity that is generated from the system is fed back onto the electricity grid, and you may receive credit from the City as a result.

Grid-tied non-feed-in PV (without export option): the electricity generated by the PV system is used locally on the property only when there is a demand for it. Any excess electricity that is generated is blocked from feeding back onto the grid.